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Even if your subfloors are old and weak, they can still handle a tile installation on top. Tile needs a good base to support its weight and prevent movement or flex, which could result in cracking. For this reason a cement backerboard will need to be installed over the old wooden floor before the tile can go down. This will strengthen the old floor and help support the tile once it's installed.

1

Walk over the floor and try to identify any areas that flex or move more than others. Nail down these areas to the joists below to help stabilize them.

2

Check the floor for any cracks or holes you can use to measure its thickness. If none exist, drill a small hole in the floor large enough to pass a measuring tape through. The total thickness of the floor before tile can be installed must be 1 1/2 inches. Cement backerboard will be the final layer installed. Use plywood to make up any difference in thickness between the 1/2-inch backerboard and the existing floor, if needed.

3

Screw the plywood onto the existing subfloor, sinking the screwheads just below the surface of the floor. Cut the backerboard to fit over the plywood with a circular saw and screw it down to the plywood. Apply fiberglass tape to the seams of the backerboard.

4

Locate the wall furthest from the door and measure it. Find its center point and snap a chalk line from this point across the room to the opposite side. This will help you lay your tiles out evenly across the room.

5

Set out the tiles in a dry layout to determine their fit in the room. Place the first tile against the far wall on the chalk line and the next tiles evenly out to each side. This will provide a balanced installation. Use tile spacers if necessary to help keep tile lines straight. Cut any tiles to fit on a tile wet saw and return them to the dry layout.

6

Take up the tiles from the floor in the opposite order you laid them down in. Spread a thin layer of thin-set mortar over the backerboard and press the tiles into it in the same pattern determined in the dry layout. Tile yourself backwards out of the room and let the mortar dry for 24 hours.

7

Spread grout over the installation with a grout float. Direct the grout into the joints between the tiles with the float held at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Scrape off any excess grout from the surface of the tiles with the edge of the float and let the grout dry for 10 minutes.

8

Wash the surface of the tiles with a damp grout sponge to clean away any excess grout. Wipe the tiles with both sides of the sponge, rinsing frequently until the tiles are clean. Let the grout dry for 24 hours before walking on the floor.

Things You Will Need

Hammer

Nails

Drill

Plywood

1/2-inch thick cement backerboard

Fiberglass tape

Screws

Power screwdriver

Measuring tape

Chalk

Tile spacers

Tile wet saw

Thin-set mortar

Trowel

Grout

Grout float

Grout sponge

Tip

If you have existing plywood on the subfloor that is weak or rotten, cut it out with a circular saw and replace it with fresh plywood. This will help increase the strength of the floor.

About the Author

Sarabeth Asaff has worked in and has written about the home improvement industry since 1995. She has written numerous articles on art, interior design and home improvements, specializing in kitchen and bathroom design. A member in good standing with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Asaff has working knowledge of all areas of home design.